Quilting is becoming an increasingly important and integral part of my life. My creative outlet changes how I view the world around me, influences the activities I pursue with my family, and introduces me to new people whose life paths wouldn't ordinarily intersect mine. My life is much like my favorite types of quilts - scrappy and unconventional, full of interest and surprises, and with an underlying current of making do (and making something beautiful!) with what I have.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Out of my system

Yesterday, I was so motivated to work on embroidering my little mini. I put the final borders on, spray basted it to some batting, and took it with me to karate. After my class, I sat through my youngest son's class, first drawing on some freehand vines, then getting going on the embroidery. In a perfect world, I'd have gone home to stitch some more, but like a moron, I declared on here yesterday that I was going to make a Pine Burr Block. I'm too proud and stubborn to not follow through, so that's what I did when I put the kids to bed.

I'm happy to report that I got that out of my system, and can now go back to my mini. Let's just say, I didn't find making the Pine Burr Block quite as addicting as LeAnn over at Nifty Quilts. From now on, I think I'll satisfy myself with seeing those beauties come together over on her blog, instead of in my sewing room. I love the way my block looks, but getting there...whew! LeAnn obviously has talents (and patience and persistence and vision) that I just don't possess!

I cut my 12.5" square piece of muslin, cut out the fabric I wanted in the center of my block (surprise, I didn't quite follow the directions - I wanted a focus fabric in the center, not the burrs), and cut my first ring of 3" squares to then make into prairie points and set around the center. I could tell RIGHT AWAY that this block was going to take more time and fabric than I was anticipating. I immediately trimmed my muslin down to 10.5" square.

A couple rows (and a couple hours) in, as I cut and folded and pressed and pinned and sewed and repeated, I went ahead and trimmed it down to 9.5" square. I swear to you, if I had left it at 12.5", I'd probably still be working on it. Holy moly!

And not only is that block a lot of work, it is also HEAVY! I could rename this post, "The Heaviest Quilt Block EVER!" Or, I could rename it "Orphaned at Birth," because I feel pretty confident that I won't be making any more of these blocks. I kid you not, I used nearly a full quarter yard of fabric on just the teal color. There is probably over 1 yard of fabric in that one little (heavy) 9.5" block! I can't imagine how heavy a whole quilt would be made this way. It would smother a child or small pet. You could use it as blackout drapes. Folding it would constitute a weight training workout.

IF I were to make another, and that is a huge IF, mind you, I'd go ahead and just use my scrappy, pre-cut 3" squares. That would reduce a lot of the time from cutting, and would make a nice dent in my precut stash. Or maybe I'd use larger squares? We may never know.

For now, I'm going to finish that puppy off into something useful - maybe a hot pad for setting hot dishes on the table? Or a candle mat? Or what? Any suggestions out there in blogland? After all that time and fabric, that block is going to become SOMETHING!!!

10 comments:

ha ha ha, I think I would like the weight, I thought about doing it as a rug, long and narrow for my hallway. maybe I could make 3 or 4 rectangle blocks and join them.I knew you would make at least one. I have a potholder that is this style. maybe I should just be satisfied with it- lol

What a fun post! I'm sorry it was so hard. I think it's a lot easier when the squares are already cut. Mine are polyester too, which helps with the weight problem. I love your focus fabric in the middle with your solids all around. I've certainly tried things--like some paper piecing--that I've sworn against too. I hope it will be a trophy to your tenacity and persistence.

I think a wall quilt is in order. You could thrown on a border and binding--done. Then hang in your sewing area. If you ever feel down or just need a positive thought, remember that you had the patience, persistence, and vision it took to complete that block. It is exactly the size it is supposed to be. Stop comparing it. It's yours. It's you. It's fabulous!

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About Me

I am blessed with a fantastic family - an attentive husband; two smart, handsome and extremely active sons, a mom of uncommon strength and limitless love, and three smart and fun siblings. I quit my job in college admissions, which I enjoyed, to pursue my passions and open a shop for fiber artists of all kinds to share their talents with others. Now, I spend my days teaching, helping customers and CREATING!